tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8015792618471574238.post3355111269425620204..comments2024-02-16T09:25:00.233-08:00Comments on Apa Valley : Good Enough For All Practical PurposesJames Finisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16351798531269786632noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8015792618471574238.post-50219196770232421832014-05-27T02:44:19.765-07:002014-05-27T02:44:19.765-07:00Hi Phil,
That's certainly true where the coup...Hi Phil,<br /><br />That's certainly true where the couplings are concerned and this evening is going to be spent starting the task of converting to S&W on all the EM gauge stock I've got so far - which actually, other than a second loco to partner the Sentinel is pretty much all the stock I need for the layout.<br /><br />For me at the moment, is less clear cut with the trackwork. I already know I can build working pointwork using the C+L components, and actually find it rather therapeutic, though yes, rather more time consuming than building with copperclad. Amazing how obsessed you can become with finding all the chairs that have fallen onto the carpet, for a start! <br /><br />The big learning curve for me is Templot, especially because I use it so infrequently. You could argue for a minimum space layout it is overkill, but on the other hand I wanted to make absolutely sure there were no hidden traps, like a need for an unfeasible small radius, to stop the plan working. Of course now I know the Trax version, produced in about 1/10 of the time, would have been fine. Typical, isn't it?<br /><br />Hopefully I've got a couple of weeks with limited travelling so that should see a lot of progress across the little jobs that have become stalled.. <br /><br />And by tomorrow I'm actually intending to make a start on the track laying.....<br /><br />James Finisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16351798531269786632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8015792618471574238.post-77291248357316193512014-05-27T01:44:43.476-07:002014-05-27T01:44:43.476-07:00I'm a big fan of the idea that the most import...I'm a big fan of the idea that the most important thing is to get started and then finish something. There are lots of layouts that would be perfect in all respects but are either never finished, or don't even start because their builders can always find something else to do or some other skill that "must" be learnt beofre starting. I once heard someone say they hadn't even switched on a soldering iron because they were still aquiring all the different types of solder that "proper" modellers said were required. <br /><br />The S&W couplings are a good example - go with them. AJ's are like a supermodel girlfriend - nice to look at but soooo high maintainance. <br /><br />Likewise track. If copperclad gets the model built - go for it. The learnign curve is a lot shallower. You'll see progress fast and be encouraged to carry on with other jobs. Phil Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8015792618471574238.post-84022648013179051332014-05-26T10:23:22.909-07:002014-05-26T10:23:22.909-07:00Geoff,
Excellent advice as always. I'm 90% ce...Geoff,<br /><br />Excellent advice as always. I'm 90% certain to go with S&W for now, but I want to start fiddling with the AJ early so I can build experience of them for use at a later date.<br /><br />As for the odd 10 minutes of modelling ...yes but there are times when I just feel so drained that it takes me the whole ten minutes to get in the right mood. Once track laying is done I actually have quite a few small projects planned that I'm hoping will speed up apparent progress enormously.<br /><br />Which brings me back to the trackwork. I've gone through that dissatisfaction stage with the Tillig track which I think is why I'm avoiding the copperclad option this time. I also know I'm not going to get it "right" right this time. That is also why I'm drifting away from the Tanat Valley for this layout, because when I go back to that theme I want to do so with both more prototype knowledge and better skills. There is not truth at all it is just so I can justify getting a class 22 at some point.James Finisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16351798531269786632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8015792618471574238.post-80775573828316191622014-05-26T09:38:39.935-07:002014-05-26T09:38:39.935-07:00James,
I was about to comment on your coupling op...James,<br /><br />I was about to comment on your coupling options and then this post cropped up.<br /><br />We all have to start somewhere and the so called finescale modelling can involve a very steep learning curve, the only way to develop the skills needed is to actually build something and be prepared to learn by making mistakes. Keeping things simple gives you a more realistic chance of getting something up and running within a reasonable time scale which will help maintain interest and drive you on. When it comes to track there is nothing wrong with using copperclad but given your quest for realism I don't think simple PCB points would satisfy you in the long term. As one well known modeller has put things," you only have to get the track right once and once it's down it's down, scenery and other things can be chopped and changed about but changing track at a later date means a near rebuild of all you have constructed ".<br /><br />Couplings are a problem and all I can say is that the best method is the one you find the easiest as regards constructing and installing them not to mention operation. I have never made or used the AJ but am told it's fiddly to build, install and maintain, the S & W is easier in all respects and was originally designed and made to incorporate a wire hook, the etch came later. So there is nothing to stop you from adopting that design and making your own hook etc, etc. However seeing as you have invested in the AJ jigs then you having nothing to lose by fitting a couple of wagons with them and seeing how you get on.<br /><br />As regards the amount of free time you have for modelling, well I agree with Iain Rice when he says that the odd 10 minutes modelling here and there can make a huge difference and give you the feeling that you are actually making progress. <br /><br />I hope some of the above makes sense and gives you a little more food for thought.<br /><br />Geoff<br />Geoffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01458331893613937280noreply@blogger.com